Yamaha MXGP riders head to Imola

After a one-weekend break in the calendar, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP teams are set to return to Italy for the third time this season, where they will contest the fifteenth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship at the iconic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola.

In hunt of a second Grand Prix win in 2019, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre will need to adapt quickly to the circuit in Imola as it will be his first outing on the man-made track after missing last season’s round due to injury. The Frenchman has been the fastest this season in terms of lap-times. He is currently eighth position in the championship standings after missing four rounds due to injury but is still perched at the top of the leaderboard in Youthstream’s Fastest Lap competition.

Currently second in the MXGP Championship Standings with four rounds remaining, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer has a healthy 37-point advantage of Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP’s Gautier Paulin. The aim for this weekend in Imola will be to bank solid points and further secure the silver medal.

Paulin leads his teammate Arnaud Tonus by 6-points and is looking forward to racing at the tight and compact venue in front of the Italian fans. Tonus is in a similar boat to Febvre, where the track in Imola will be a brand-new experience and it is a prospect he looks forward to as he feels that the hard-packed and jumpy venue will suit his riding style.

There is still everything to play for in MX2 as Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2’s Jago Geerts heads into the fifteenth round of the series determined to reclaim a place inside the top-three. The 19-year-old Belgian needs 3-points to take back third position.

Fresh off a maiden podium in the 2019 season, Ben Watson is enjoying his time on his YZ250F and hopes to keep that same podium-scoring momentum in Italy this weekend. He is currently seventh in the MX2 points standings.

The MXGP and MX2 classes will be joined by the stars of WMX as they line up for the penultimate round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship. NoFear Yamaha WMX’s Nancy Van de Ven is currently second in the championship chase, 14-points shy of the leader, but only 3-points clear of fellow YZ250F rider Larissa Papemeier in third.

Jeremy Seewer2nd MXGP Championship Standings, 439-points
“I am a fan of old school. Imola is not my favourite, although it is quite fun with rhythm sections and jumps. I did pretty good there last year, so the track does suit me. I will definitely try to stand on the box, but the main goal will be to remain in the top five and keep taking solid points.”

Gautier Paulin3rd MXGP Championship Standings, 402-points
“Imola is an artificial track. It is very tight and quite short. I really like it there. I love the atmosphere in Italy. It feels like a second home to me. I have been racing in Italy many times over the years, and I really love the fans and the entire atmosphere around the circuit. It’s always really good, for the sport and for the Italian public. I am sure the track will be prepared well, so I look forward to going there and enjoying my riding.”

Arnaud Tonus4th MXGP Championship Standings, 396-points
“I am looking forward to going to Imola, it looks like a track that will suit me with many jumps and a hard surface. I think I will feel good there, but I will need to learn the track but it’s always nice to ride new tracks. I will go out there and throw everything on the table, give my best and see where we end up.”

Romain Febvre8th MXGP Championship Standings, 336-points
“I have never raced in Imola. I was there to watch last year. It is an artificial track, and I will need to adapt really quick this weekend. I hope it’s not too difficult to pass, I hope to get good starts, that is the main points, I know what I am capable off if I can get off the gate well.”